Friday 21 May 2010

Vintage Simplicity, Liberty print dress - finished!

I have completed my first vintage dress project, made in a Liberty print silk and I’m pleased that it has turned out pretty much how I wanted it to look.

I think this is just the kind of dress I need to wear when taking ‘afternoon tea and cakes’ (that’s an English thing!!) on sunny days (they’re not so much an English thing!!). Here’s a reminder of the pattern I used, it’s dated 1968.


Simplicity describes it as a ‘Simple-to-Sew’ Jiffy pattern – 3 main pieces (front, back, sleeve) plus the bow and facings. Of course I ‘un-Jiffied’ it by adding a full lining. Being a double silk the fabric isn’t very flimsy but I still felt that this dress needed a lining. I used a Bemberg rayon in a pretty colour called Geranium. I cut the lining using the main pattern pieces, then assembled them with the back and front neckline facings to make one lining/facing unit. I sewed this right sides together to the neckline of the dress, flipped it over and hand stitched the lining to the hem of sleeves and to the zipper. To be honest I have no idea if this is the ‘right’ way to line this kind of dress but it seemed to work out fine. It looks like this.


I loved the pattern. As it comes in one size only, both the cutting and sewing lines are printed which means you can see exactly how it’s going to come together. The instructions were super-clear and easy to follow and the vintage half sizing saved me having to do my usual petite adjustments.

So what’s next? I have no idea – I have so many patterns and fabrics in my pile of ‘things to make this summer’ that I am in a frenzy of indecision. However, right now, as today does happen to be a sunny day, I’m off to take tea ……..

34 comments:

  1. I love it! The fabric is perfect for the pattern. Actually, I think, I have this pattern!

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  2. Love the fabric and the lining is beautiful. Great job on the dress

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  3. We are enjoying the sun here too! For me it's more sheets on the line than tea and cakes though, lol.

    The dress turned out so well. I especially like the fabric. The whole look is classic without being overtly "old fashioned."

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  4. Beautiful for your figure and coloring. The lining looks wonderful.

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  5. Beautiful!! Nice job on the lining, and who cares if it is the "right" way. It worked perfectly!

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  6. Darling dress. Love the fabric and the style.

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  7. Very nice! Also I LOVE the print as I've always had a soft spot for butterflies.

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  8. ....and wearing your pretty dress I'm sure!
    I once was on holiday in England and had 'high tea'. If only I could have worn a beautiful dress like this one.
    The fabric is lovely. I love those fine prints.

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  9. Very pretty! I think it even looks nice inside out. Correct or not, I like your method of lining it - it sounds simple enough to try myself (:

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  10. Lovely dress, perfect for an afternoon tea indeed. And I see you have the perfect shoes to go with it :-)

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  11. Fabulous project! It is vintage but not costume and I LOVE the print and colors.

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  12. It's so beautiful. Love the fabric you chose.

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  13. Great dress! And, you must feel elegant in Liberty fabric! Very nice.

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  14. Your look sooo pretty in this dress. I love the fabric.

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  15. Pretty dress and so is the one wearing it!

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  16. Oo this dress is making me un-lurk :) What a great pattern/fabric pairing - and the shoes are fabulous too!

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  17. What a great dress - I love the bow!

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  18. I love this Liberty Print! It's a fantastic dress. You did a smashing job on the lining as well!

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  19. That is so cute, and you did a great job finishing it.

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  20. Well you've gone and done it again! You've made a cute dress that fits you so well! (smile). I love this style on you and the fabric choice. It makes me think "light and fancy free with a patriotic touch of course". I always admire how you go the extra mile and add a lining! I need to stop being so lazy!LOL

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  21. Lovely dress - I hope you enjoyed your cuppa!

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  22. Beautiful! And however you want to add the lining is the right way to add the lining!

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  23. Gorgeous! I love the print and the lining is perfect!

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  24. Eugenia, what a great dress. I must confess that I wasn't inspired by the pattern jacket. How wrong could I be.

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  25. What a pretty spring dress. Love the print and the simple lines. Nice job!

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  26. Oh, I just love the idea of Jiffy patterns! Brings back memories of my childhood and my grandmother sewing for me and my sisters. I love your "tea and afternoon cakes" dress.

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  27. Both dresses are great. The styles are just wonderful and you've teamed them with good fabrics.

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  28. Wow! I really like this dress. I wish we dress up more nowadays. You might really tempt me to try some vintage designs.

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